A Pessimistic View Of Cosmopolitan's Male Body Language Decoder

Understanding what a guy is thinking may not be as easy as one may think but maybe you're just getting your hopes up.

He positions his chest and shoulders toward you, even if he's looking at something else.

alwayssometimesanytime.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: Whether it's you, your best friend, or the keg in the corner, whatever a boy aims his upper body at is the most meaningful thing in the room to him. So if one night, a tasty man-morsel approaches your posse, you and your friends won't need to fight for the fella's affections; study his body language and you'll already know who he's after.

What It Could Be: There's no more room on the bus and your new-found appreciation of his handsome, rugged face is unsettling him. He turns his head away to avoid conversation.

He holds a long, piercing gaze.

tumblr.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: Although you may think he's smitten, he could be playing you. Holding intense eye contact for more than five seconds doesn't happen naturally, so he may be using the look as a seduction technique to get you into bed.

What It Could Be: You're at a restaurant and you just don't realize that the hockey game is on the television right behind your head.

He half smiles.

media.giphy.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: There's a good chance this guy just wants a no-strings fling. "A sneerlike grin is an indication that he's not being sincere with you," points out body language expert Patti Wood. "It's a split-face gesture: Each side of his face is telling a different story".

What It Could Be: You've just told one of your greatest funny anecdotes about that time you went to Kenya and the half smile is just a pleasantry, nothing more.

He lifts his eyebrows.

tumblr.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: When a man sees someone he's into, he'll automatically lift and lower his eyebrows, wrinkling his forehead in the process. But you'll have to keep your eyes peeled to catch a glimpse of this telltale signal. Anthropologists call it the eyebrow flash because it's usually lightning-quick.

What It Could Be: You await this "eyebrow flash" when being introduced to the hottest guy at the party and there it is, you see it. Problem is the fluorescent lights have given him a headache and having to talk to you isn't helping.

He touches his belt or jeans pocket

media.giphy.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: If he touches his belt, hangs his thumb off a front pocket, or even scratches himself down there, you may need to hose him down — he's subconsciously trying to draw your attention to his, ahem, assets.

What It Could Be: He's subconsciously checking to make sure his cell phone is in his pocket. The scratching? Probably take that as an sign that you should avoid having to go get checked out by the doctor in a couple of weeks.

He stands with legs spread apart.

giphy.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: A guy will often stand with his legs spread apart and pelvis facing you when he's hot for you. It's a primal, biological instinct, and most guys don't even know they're doing it.

What It Could Be: He's just been sitting on a cramped airplane for four hours. This could be his way of stretching his legs so don't run away with him yet.

He stands or sits with his toes pointed toward each other.

media.giphy.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: This means he's feeling a little unsure of himself. So if a boy at the bar is striking this pose, he's digging you but needs reassurance that the interest is mutual.

What It Could Be: He's pulling a "Wizard of Oz" and basically wants to go home.

He has a coy, close-mouth grin that shows only at the corners of his upturned mouth.

giphy.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: Rest assured he likes you, but he doesn't want to reveal too much too soon. He's probably a bit shy (and possibly insecure) so he won't put all of his emotions on the line right away.

What It Could Be: He could just be a serial cheater and you're his next victim. The little coy grin is because you have no idea who his girlfriend is.

He tilts his head slightly to the side when your eyes meet.

tumblr.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: The head tilt is a subconscious come-hither signal to any femme the guy has feelings for. So if that man you've been making eyes with for the last hour gives you the head tilt, that's your cue to go in for the kill and introduce yourself or even send him a drink.

What It Could Be: He recognizes you from something and can't quite put his finger on it. All of a sudden he remembers you broke his friend's heart back in university and that kills any chance you may have had.

He smiles with his top lip stretched wide and his front teeth just barely peeking through

media.giphy.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: This tight-lipped look is a polite signal that while he enjoys your company, the romantic spark may not be there. But that doesn't mean his feelings can't develop.

What It Could Be: Even Cosmo is saying that the romantic spark may not be there. Don't create something in your mind that isn't there.

He has a devilish smirk where he raises the right or left side of his closed mouth.

cdn01.cdnwp.thefrisky.com / Via cosmopolitan.com

What Cosmo Says: You'll have to play hard to get with this boy if you want to hook him. A guy with a grin like this thrives when presented with a bit of a challenge. Catch him if you can.

What It Could Be: He's told his friends you're his next conquest. This can't possibly turn out well.

Way to raise my hopes Cosmo!

i453.photobucket.com